Redlands Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

When someone slips, trips, or falls on another person’s property because of a dangerous condition, the property owner may be legally responsible for the injuries that result. California law requires property owners to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors: When that duty is ignored and someone gets hurt, the injured person can file a personal injury claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Acting quickly gives people injured in a slip and fall accident the best chance at a full recovery.

Our Redlands slip and fall accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel represent people hurt in falls caused by wet floors, broken steps, poor lighting, uneven pavement, and other hazardous conditions.  Every case begins with a free consultation, and the firm works on a contingency fee basis, so no upfront legal fees are required.

Do I Have a Valid Slip and Fall Claim?

To have a valid slip and fall accident claim, an injured person must prove that a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors. For example, if a grocery store employee saw a spill but did not clean it up or post a warning sign, that store may be liable for a customer’s fall.

What Does California Premises Liability Law Cover?

California premises liability law holds property owners responsible for injuries that result from unsafe conditions on their land or in their buildings. This applies to homeowners, businesses, landlords, and government entities. The law looks at whether the owner acted reasonably in maintaining the property; regular inspections and timely repairs are expected under California Civil Code Section 1714.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Redlands?

Falls happen in many settings and for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
• Broken or uneven sidewalks and pavement
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking lots
• Torn or loose carpeting and flooring
• Missing or broken handrails on stairs

Each situation requires an investigation to determine who is responsible and whether the property owner had enough time to address the hazard.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Acting quickly after a fall protects your health and preserves your legal rights. Take these essential steps immediately:

• Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written report.
• Take photos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
• Gather contact information from any witnesses nearby.

Waiting too long to get medical care or document the scene can weaken a claim, because property owners and insurance companies often argue that injuries were not serious or resulted from something else.

How Do I Prove a Property Owner Was Negligent?

Proving negligence in a slip and fall case means showing four things:

1. The property owner had a duty of care.
2. They failed to meet that duty.
3. The failure caused the fall.
4. The fall caused real injuries.

Our Redlands slip and fall accident lawyers build cases using evidence such as surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance logs, medical records, and witness statements. A pattern of ignored hazards at the same location can be powerful evidence.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in California?

California law gives most injured people two years from the date of the fall to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If the fall happened on government property, a government claim must typically be filed within six months of the incident under California Government Code Section 911.2. Missing either deadline can eliminate the right to recover any money.

How Does California Handle Shared Fault in Slip and Fall Cases?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means an injured person can still recover money even when partly at fault for a fall. However, compensation is reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault. For example, if someone is found 20% at fault and total damages are $100,000, the recovery would be $80,000. Our Redlands slip and fall accident lawyers work to minimize any fault assigned to the injured party.

What Are the Serious Injuries That Can Result From a Slip and Fall Accident?

Falls may seem minor, but they can cause serious and lasting harm, particularly for older adults. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from hitting the head on a hard surface
• Broken hips, wrists, and ankles
• Spinal cord injuries that cause lasting pain or limited mobility
• Torn ligaments and tendons in the knees or shoulders
• Soft tissue injuries that are painful and slow to heal
• Fractured ribs that affect breathing and daily movement

These injuries can lead to months of treatment, significant medical costs, and an inability to work, all of which factor into the value of a claim.

Common Questions About Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Redlands, CA

What if the Property Owner Says I Was Not Watching Where I Was Going?
Property owners often shift blame to the injured person, but that argument does not automatically end a claim. California’s comparative fault rule allows recovery even when the injured person shares some responsibility, as long as the property owner also bears fault for the dangerous condition.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Case?
Hiring an attorney is not required, but it often leads to better outcomes. Insurance companies frequently offer lower settlements to unrepresented claimants, whereas attorneys know how to document losses, counter lowball offers, and take cases to trial when necessary.

How Long Does a Slip and Fall Case Take to Resolve?
The timeline varies based on injury severity, available evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some claims resolve in a few months, whereas cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take a year or longer to reach a final resolution.

Redlands Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Are Ready to Fight for You

If you believe that a property owner’s negligence caused your injuries, contact the Redlands slip and fall accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel. Our experienced legal team will protect your rights and fight to secure full compensation. Call us at 909-889-1131 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our offices are located in Ontario and Victorville, California.